Solid fabric conditioning compositions

ABSTRACT

A quaternary ammonium material of the formula:  
                 
 
     wherein each R is independently selected from a C 5-35  alkyl or alkenyl group, R 1  represents a C 1-4  alkyl, C 2-4  alkenyl or a C 1-4  hydroxyalkyl group,  
     T is  
                 
 
     n is 0 or a number selected from 1 to 4, m is 1, 2 or 3 and denotes the number of moieties to which it relates that pend directly from the N atom, and X −  is an anionic group, such as halides or alkyl sulphates, has a mean particle size of from 100 to 1200 μm. The material is provided in a solid fabric conditioning composition at a level of from 1 to 45 wt % in combination with a carrier material.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to solid fabric conditioningcompositions. More particularly the invention relates to solid fabricconditioning compositions providing good softening characteristics tofabrics and/or having good dispersion characteristics in liquid.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Traditionally, fabric conditioning has been carried out eitherduring the rinsing step of a fabric washing and rinsing process orduring tumble drying of the fabric. Typically, rinse conditioning isaccomplished by adding a liquid dispersion of a rinse conditioning agentto the rinse liquor. The liquid dispersion was traditionally distributedand made available to consumers as a ready to use aqueous dispersion.More recently, concern for the environment and consumer convenience hasled to the sale of concentrated aqueous dispersions which are eitherused in smaller amounts or are mixed with water to form a dilutecomposition before use.

[0003] In EP 234082 it has been proposed to supply rinse conditioner asa solid block. This approach requires the use of a special restraint forthe block and may also require the modification of the washing machineto enable the block to be dissolved and dispensed by a spray system.

[0004] Various proposals have been made to supply fabric softener ingranular or powdered form.

[0005] WO-A2-02/44310 relates to a granular conditioning compound. Thereis no disclosure of the particle size of the cationic softeningmaterial.

[0006] WO-A1-99/60081 discloses stabilised compositions comprisingquaternary ammonium materials. There is no mention of mean particle sizeof the softening material.

[0007] WO-A1-94/07978 describes a process for producing powdered orgranular detergent mixtures. No reference is made to particle size.

[0008] EP-A1-0739976 discloses textile and hair conditioners comprisingesterqauats and fatty acid amides. There is no mention of esterqauatshaving a specific mean particle size.

[0009] JP622875 discloses specific quaternary ammonium materials whichshow better softening effects than di(hydrogenated tallow alkyl)dimethyl ammonium chloride.

[0010] EP 111074 discloses a powdered rinse conditioner based on asilica carrier for the softening agent. A disadvantage of using acarrier such as silica is that it can cause bulking of the product andappears to serve no function beyond making the powder compatible withother ingredients that may be contained in washing powder.

[0011] WO 92/18593 describes a granular fabric softening compositioncomprising a nonionic fabric softener and a single long alkyl chaincationic material. The specification teaches that effective cationicsoftening compositions when used in granular form exhibit poordispersion properties and so, despite the obvious environmental andtransport saving advantages of selling a water free powdered rinseconditioner, manufacturers have not done so.

[0012] EP-B1-0568297 discloses a powdered rinse conditioner comprising awater insoluble cationic active and a nonionic dispersing agent.

[0013] It is known that solid fabric conditioners can be formed bycombining quaternary ammonium compounds with a water soluble carriersuch as urea.

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,259,964 (Colgate-Palmolive) discloses a freeflowing spray-dried rinse conditioner. U.S. Pat. No. 4,427,558(Unilever) discloses a method of preparing fabric softening particlescomprising a cationic fabric conditioning materials urea and a salt of afatty acid.

[0015] A problem with powdered rinse conditioners Is that they arefrequently difficult to disperse in water and thereby subsequentsoftening of fabrics is detrimentally affected.

[0016] Deposition aids have been proposed for depositing clay softeners.For example, WO-A1-00/60039 (Proctor and Gamble) discloses a solid rinseconditioner comprising clay, surfactant, a solid carrier and aflocculating agent which aids deposition of the clay. The preferredflocculating agent is an organic polymer such as polyethylene oxide.

[0017] EP-A-0107479 (Unilever) discloses a liquid or granular rinseconditioner comprising a nonionic conditioner (such as sorbitanmonostearate) and aluminum chloro-hydrate which acts as a deposition aidfor the nonionic conditioner.

[0018] EP-A-0267999 (Unilever) discloses a liquid or powder rinseconditioner comprising a non-cationic softener and a nonionic celluloseether derivative as a deposition aid for the softener.

[0019] JP 06306769 (Kao) discloses a solid fabric softener comprising atertiary amine, a quaternary ammonium salt and urea or a water solubleinorganic salt.

[0020] JP 62057639 (Lion) discloses the production of cationicsurfactant granules in which a dialkyl quaternary ammonium powder isgranulated with an alkali metal chloride or an alkaline earth metalchloride. The chloride is present to improve softness.

[0021] JP 02182972 (Kao) discloses a solid softening agent comprising adialkyl quaternary ammonium salt, a monoalkyl quaternary ammonium saltand urea or a urea derivative. The composition may also contain a watersoluble inorganic salt such as sodium chloride, sodium sulphate,magnesium sulphate and potassium nitrate.

[0022] Surprisingly, it has now been found that a solid rinseconditioning composition comprising a particular cationic softeningagent and a carrier, such as urea, disperses particularly well inliquids. It has also been found that such compositions impart excellentsoftness to fabrics.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

[0023] Thus, according to the present invention there is provided asolid fabric conditioning composition comprising:

[0024] (a) from 1 to 45 wt % by weight of the composition of one or morecationic fabric softening agents; and

[0025] (b) one or more carrier materials; wherein the cationic fabricsoftening agent comprises a quaternary ammonium material of the formula:

[0026] wherein each R is independently selected from a C₅₋₃₅ alkyl oralkenyl group, R¹ represents a C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₂₋₄ alkenyl or a C₁₋₄hydroxyalkyl group,

[0027] T is

[0028] n is 0 or a number selected from 1 to 4, m is 1, 2 or 3 anddenotes the number of moieties to which it relates that pend directlyfrom the N atom, and X⁻ is an anionic group, such as halides or alkylsulphates, e.g. chloride, methyl sulphate or ethyl sulphate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Cationic Fabric Softening Agent

[0030] The cationic fabric softening agent is a quaternary ammoniumfabric softening material of the formula:

[0031] wherein each R is independently selected from a C₅₋₃₅ alkyl oralkenyl group, R¹ represents a C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₂₋₄ alkenyl or a C₁₋₄hydroxyalkyl group,

[0032] T is

[0033] n is 0 or a number selected from 1 to 4, m is 1, 2 or 3 anddenotes the number of moieties to which it relates that pend directlyfrom the N atom, and X⁻ is an anionic group, such as halides or alkylsulphates, e.g. chloride, methyl sulphate or ethyl sulphate.

[0034] Preferably, the level of the mono-ester linked component of thequaternary ammonium material described hereinabove is between 8 and 40%by weight, based on the total weight of the raw material in which thequaternary ammonium material is supplied, more preferably from 12 to 35%by weight, most preferably from 15 to 30% by weight.

[0035] Especially preferred materials within this formula are di-alkenylesters of triethanol ammonium methyl sulphate.

[0036] The compositions preferably comprise from 1 to 45% by weight ofcationic softening material (active ingredient), based on the totalweight of the composition, more preferably 5 to 40% by weight, mostpreferably 15 to 35% by weight, e.g. 18 to 32% by weight.

[0037] Iodine Value of the Parent Fatty Acyl group or Acid

[0038] The iodine value of the parent fatty acyl compound or acid fromwhich the cationic softening material is formed is preferably from 0 to140, preferably from 0 to 100, more preferably from 0 to 60.

[0039] It is especially preferred that the iodine value of the parentcompound is from 0 to 20, e.g. 0 to 5. Where the iodine value is 5 orless, the cationic softening agent provides excellent softening resultson fabrics and has improved resistance to oxidation and associated odourproblems upon storage.

[0040] In the context of the present invention, iodine value of theparent fatty acyl compound or acid from which the cationic surfactant isformed, is defined as the number of grams of iodine which react with 100grams of the compound.

[0041] One method for calculating the iodine value of a parent fattyacyl compound/acid from which the cationic softening compound is formed,comprises dissolving a prescribed amount (from 0.1-3 g) into about 15 mlchloroform. The dissolved parent fatty acyl compound/fatty acid is thenreacted with 25 ml of iodine monochloride in acetic acid solution(0.1M). To this, 20 ml of 10% potassium iodide solution and about 150 mldeionised water is added. After addition of the halogen has taken place,the excess of iodine monochloride is determined by titration with sodiumthiosulphate solution (0.1 M) in the presence of a blue starch indicatorpowder. At the same time a blank is determined with the same quantity ofreagents and under the same conditions. The difference between thevolume of sodium thiosulphate used in the blank and that used in thereaction with the parent fatty acyl compound or fatty acid enables theiodine value to be calculated. Other methods for calculating the IV of aparent fatty acyl compound or fatty acid of a softening compound will beapparent to the person skilled in the art.

[0042] Excluded Cationic Fabric Softening Agents

[0043] Cationic fabric softening compounds not within the scope of theinvention are represented by formula (I):

[0044] wherein each R¹ group is independently selected from C₁₋₄ alkyl,hydroxyalkyl or C₂₋₄ alkenyl groups; and wherein each R² group isindependently selected from C₈₋₂₈ alkyl or alkenyl groups; n is 0 or aninteger from 1 to 5 and T and X⁻ are as defined above; and by formula(II):

[0045] wherein each R¹ group is independently selected from C₁₋₄ alkyl,or C₂₋₄ alkenyl groups; and wherein each R² group is independentlyselected from C₈₋₂₈ alkyl or alkenyl groups; and X⁻ is as defined above.

[0046] Cationic Softening Agent Raw Material

[0047] Preferably the cationic softening material raw material is asolid, more preferably a powder.

[0048] Preferably the solid raw material has a mean particle size offrom 100 to 1200 μm, more preferably from 200 to 1000 μm, mostpreferably from 300 to 800 μm, e.g. 400 to 600 μm.

[0049] The raw material for use in the compositions of the invention ispreferably provided substantially free of solvent, although rawmaterials provided in a solvent are not excluded from the invention.

[0050] Where a quaternary ammonium material is provided in a solvent, itis preferred that the material is treated by evaporating off any solventand then milling or otherwise grinding the resultant solid to provide apowder of the desired mean particle size.

[0051] Carrier Material

[0052] The solid composition comprises a carrier material. Preferredcarrier materials are those which aid the preparation of a dry,free-flowing powder which disperses readily in water.

[0053] Especially preferred carriers are urea-based. The most preferredcarrier is urea due to its simplicity and easy availability.

[0054] Other suitable carriers include water soluble inorganic saltssuch as sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, sodiumsulphate, potassium sulphate, magnesium sulphate, sodium carbonate andsodium sesquicarbonate.

[0055] The carrier may also comprise a mixture of one or more theaforementioned salts.

[0056] The carrier material is preferably present in an amount from 10to 95% by weight, more preferably 25 to 85% by weight, most preferably40 to 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0057] Deposition Aid

[0058] Preferably a deposition aid is present in the compositions of thepresent invention.

[0059] Particularly preferred deposition aids are citric acid or saltsof citric acid.

[0060] If the deposition aid is a salt of citric acid, it s preferablywater soluble. By water soluble, it is meant that the salt has asolubility in excess of 1 gram per litre, preferably is excess of 25grams per litre.

[0061] The counter ion in the salt is preferably an alkaline earthmetal, ammonium or alkali metal. Preferably, it comprises an alkalimetal cation or ammonium. Typically preferred are sodium, potassium orammonium salts.

[0062] The deposition aid is preferably present in an amount from 0.005%to 20% by weight, more preferably from 0.01% to 10% by weight, mostpreferably from 0.1% to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of thecomposition.

[0063] Perfume

[0064] The compositions of the invention preferably comprise one or moreperfumes. Typical perfumes suitable for use in the present invention aredisclosed in “Perfume and Flavor Chemicals (Aroma Chemicals)”, bySteffen Arctander, published by the author in 1969, the contents ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

[0065] Preferably the perfume is present in an amount from 0.01 to 10 wt%, more preferably 0.05 to 7 wt %, most preferably 0.1 to 5 wt % basedon the total weight of the composition.

[0066] A particularly preferred method for incorporating the perfumeinto the composition is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,200,949,incorporated by reference herein.

[0067] Zeolite

[0068] The compositions of the invention preferably comprise a zeolite.Preferred zeolites include alkali metal, preferably sodium,aluminosilicates.

[0069] Zeolites may be incorporated in amounts of from 0.1 to 50% byweight (anhydrous basis), preferably from 1 to 30 wt %, based on thetotal weight of the composition.

[0070] The zeolite is present in an amount not greater than 50% byweight, based on the total weight of the composition. The use of lesszeolite is important to so as to reduce the problem of poor flowproperties, since excess zeolite provides a composition with dust-likeparticles which are difficult to handle.

[0071] The zeolite may be either crystalline or amorphous or mixturesthereof, having the general formula:

0.8-1.5Na₂O.Al₂O₃.0.8-6SiO₂

[0072] These materials contain some bound water and should have acalcium ion exchange capacity of at least 50 mg CaO/g. The preferredsodium aluminosilicates contain 1.5-3.5 SiO₂ units (in the formulaabove). Both the amorphous and the crystalline materials can be preparedreadily by reaction between sodium silicate and sodium aluminate, as istypical is the art.

[0073] Suitable crystalline sodium aluminosilicate ion-exchangedetergency builders are described, for example, in GB 1 429 143 (Procter& Gamble). The preferred sodium aluminosilicates of this type are thewell-known commercially available zeolites A and X, and mixturesthereof.

[0074] A particularly preferred zeolite is zeolite 4A.

[0075] It has been found that the solid compositions of the presentinvention, which comprise a cationic softener and a carrier, such asurea, have excellent flow properties (typically exhibiting flow rates of90 ml/s or more, more preferably 100 ml/s or more, most preferably 110ml/s or more). Without the zeolite present, it has been found that suchdesirable flow rates are only achieved by a very narrow wt % range ofthe cationic softener. By incorporating a zeolite into the composition,the excellent flow properties can be achieved over a much broader wt %range of the cationic softener.

[0076] In particular, it has been found that the presence of the zeoliteenables much higher levels of the cationic softener to be present in thecomposition without detrimentally affecting the flow properties of thesolid.

[0077] In use, when the solid composition is added to liquid, e.g.water, the zeolite rapidly disperses to give a milky solution. Althoughnot essential to the invention, this provides a highly desirableattractive appearance to the composition.

[0078] Fatty Alcohol

[0079] Optionally and advantageously, one or more un-alkoxylated fattyalcohols are present in the composition.

[0080] Preferred alcohols have a hydrocarbyl chain length of from 10 to22 carbon atoms, more preferably 11 to 20 carbon atoms, most preferably15 to 19 carbon atoms.

[0081] The fatty alcohol may be saturated or unsaturated, thoughsaturated fatty alcohols are preferred as these have been found todeliver greater benefits in terms or stability, especially lowtemperature stability.

[0082] Suitable commercially available fatty alcohols include tallowalcohol (available as Hydrenol S3, ex Sidobre Sinnova, and Laurex CS, exClariant).

[0083] The fatty alcohol content in the compositions is from 0 to 10% byweight, more preferably from 0.005 to 5% by weight, most preferably from0.01 to 3% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0084] Nonionic Surfactants

[0085] It is preferred that the compositions further comprise a nonionicsurfactant. Typically these can be included for the purpose ofstabilising the compositions.

[0086] Suitable nonionic surfactants include addition products ofethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide with fatty alcohols, fatty acidsand fatty amines.

[0087] Any of the alkoxylated materials of the particular type describedhereinafter can be used as the nonionic surfactant.

[0088] Suitable surfactants are substantially water soluble surfactantsof the general formula:

R—Y—(C₂H₄O)_(z)—C₂H₄OH

[0089] where R is selected from the group consisting of primary,secondary and branched chain alkyl and/or acyl hydrocarbyl groups;primary, secondary and branched chain alkenyl hydrocarbyl groups; andprimary, secondary and branched chain alkenyl-substituted phenolichydrocarbyl groups; the hydrocarbyl groups having a chain length of from8 to about 25, preferably 10 to 20, e.g. 14 to 18 carbon atoms.

[0090] In the general formula for the ethoxylated nonionic surfactant, Yis typically:

—O—,—C(O)O—,—C(O)N(R)— or —C(O)N(R)R—

[0091] in which R has the meaning given above or can be hydrogen; and Zis at least about 8, preferably least about 10 or 11.

[0092] Preferably the nonionic surfactant has an HLB of from about 7 toabout 20, more preferably from 10 to 18, e.g. 12 to 16.

[0093] Examples of nonionic surfactants follow. In the examples, theinteger defines the number of ethoxy (EO) groups in the molecule.

[0094] A. Straight-Chain, Primary Alcohol Alkoxylates

[0095] The deca-, undeca-, dodeca-, tetradeca-, and pentadecaethoxylatesof n-hexadecanol, and n-octadecanol having an HLB within the rangerecited herein are useful viscosity/dispersibility modifiers in thecontext of this invention. Exemplary ethoxylated primary alcohols usefulherein as the viscosity/dispersibility modifiers of the compositions areC₁₈ EO (10); and C₁₈ EO (11) . The ethoxylates of mixed natural orsynthetic alcohols in the “tallow” chain length range are also usefulherein. Specific examples of such materials include tallow alcohol-EO(11), tallow alcohol-EO (18), and tallow alcohol-EO (25), cocoalcohol-EO (10), coco alcohol-EO (15), coco alcohol-EO (20) and cocoalcohol-EO (25).

[0096] B. Straight-Chain, Secondary Alcohol Alkoxylates

[0097] The deca-, undeca-, dodeca-, tetradeca-, pentadeca-, octadeca-,and nonadeca-ethoxylates of 3-hexadecanol, 2-octadecanol, 4-eicosanol,and 5-eicosanol having an HLB within the range recited herein are usefulviscosity and/or dispersibility modifiers in the context of thisinvention.

[0098] Exemplary ethoxylated secondary alcohols useful herein as theviscosity and/or dispersibility modifiers of the compositions are: C₁₆EO (11) ; C₂₀ EO (11) ; and C₁₆ EO (14).

[0099] C. Alkyl Phenol Alkoxylates

[0100] As in the case of the alcohol alkoxylates, the hexa- tooctadeca-ethoxylates of alkylated phenols, particularly monohydricalkylphenols, having an HLB within the range recited herein are usefulas the viscosity and/or dispersibility modifiers of the instantcompositions. The hexa- to octadeca-ethoxylates of p-tri-decylphenol,m-pentadecylphenol, and the like, are useful herein. Exemplaryethoxylated alkylphenols useful as the viscosity and/or dispersibilitymodifiers of the mixtures herein are: p-tridecylphenol EO (11) andp-pentadecylphenol EO (18).

[0101] As used herein and as generally recognized in the art, aphenylene group in the nonionic formula is the equivalent of an alkylenegroup containing from 2 to 4 carbon atoms. For present purposes,nonionics containing a phenylene group are considered to contain anequivalent number of carbon atoms calculated as the sum of the carbonatoms in the alkyl group plus about 3.3 carbon atoms for each phenylenegroup.

[0102] D. Olefinic Alkoxylates

[0103] The alkenyl alcohols, both primary and secondary, and alkenylphenols corresponding to those disclosed immediately hereinabove can beethoxylated to an HLB within the range recited herein and used as theviscosity and/or dispersibility modifiers of the instant compositions.

[0104] E. Branched Chain Alkoxylates

[0105] Branched chain primary and secondary alcohols which are availablefrom the well-known “OXO” process can be ethoxylated and employed as theviscosity and/or dispersibility modifiers of compositions herein.

[0106] F. Polyol Based Surfactants

[0107] Suitable polyol based surfactants include sucrose esters suchsucrose monooleates, alkyl polyglucosides such as stearyl monoglucosidesand stearyl triglucoside and alkyl polyglycerols.

[0108] The above nonionic surfactants are useful in the presentcompositions alone or in combination, and the term “nonionic surfactant”encompasses mixed nonionic surface active agents.

[0109] The nonionic surfactant is present in an amount from 0.01 to 15%,more preferably 0.1 to 12%, most preferably 0.35 to 10%, e.g. 0.5 to 7%by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0110] Flow Aid

[0111] A flow aid is optionally present in the compositions of theinvention.

[0112] The flow aid preferably comprises a fine particulate materialwhich coats the solid, e.g. powder granules, so as to provide excellentstorage and handling properties.

[0113] Preferred flow aids are the commercially available sodiumaluminosilicates, zeolite A, zeolite MAP and Alusil.

[0114] Of course, if the flow aid is a zeolite it may also act as acarrier for the cationic softening material.

[0115] The flow aid is preferably present in an amount from 0.001% to10% by weight, more preferably from 0.01% to 5% by weight, mostpreferably from 0.1% to 2% by weight, based on the total weight of thecomposition. If the flow aid is a zeolite, higher levels can be present.

[0116] The flow aid is typically the final ingredient to be added to thecomposition once the solid composition is substantially already formed.

[0117] Other Optional Ingredients

[0118] The compositions may also contain one or more optionalingredients conventionally included in fabric conditioning compositionssuch as pH buffering agents, perfume carriers, fluorescers, colourants,hydrotropes, antifoaming agents, antiredeposition agents,polyelectrolytes, enzymes, optical brightening agents, anti-shrinkingagents, anti-wrinkle agents, anti-spotting agents, germicides,fungicides, anti-corrosion agents, drape imparting agents, anti-staticagents, ironing aids, dyes and fatty acids.

[0119] Product Form

[0120] The compositions of the present invention are solids, such aspowders tablets or bars. It is particularly preferred that the solid isa free-flowing powder. Ideally the powder has a mean particle size ofless than 1000 microns as this improves the flow and dispersioncharacteristics of the powder. More preferably the mean particle size isless than 700 microns. Preferably the dynamic flow rate of the powder isgreater than 90 ml/s and more preferably greater than 100 ml/s.Preferably the bulk density of the powder is less than 800 g/L.

[0121] Product Use

[0122] The product is preferably used in the rinse stage of a laundryprocess. It is envisaged that the product is suitable for use in handrinsing or machine rinsing operations.

EXAMPLES

[0123] The invention will now be illustrated by the followingnon-limiting examples. Further modifications will be apparent to theperson skilled in the art.

[0124] Samples of the invention are represented by a number. Comparativesamples are represented by a letter.

[0125] All values are % by weight of the active ingredient unless statedotherwise.

[0126] Suitable methods for preparing the solid compositions are asfollows:

[0127] In a first method, a carrier (e.g. urea) is mixed with a powderedquaternary ammonium material (the raw material provided as a solidground to the desired mean particle size). Optional ingredients (such aszeolite and citrate) are added and mixed. Suitable mixers for mixing theingredients include the Sirman C6 mixer granulator and the Fukae FS30mixer. Other types of mixers could also be used including drum mixers,ploughshares and fluid bed mixers. If required a binder, such as anonionic surfactant and/or polyethylene glycol, can be added to improvegranulation. Other optional ingredients, such as perfume and dye, arethen added separately to the solids. The mixture is then granulated forbetween 15-30 seconds and an optional flow aid may be added with afurther 5 seconds mixing. If the composition is too wet it can beweathered to allow the liquid components to equilibrate within thepowder structure, providing a dry free-flowing powder.

[0128] In an alternative process, the carrier (e.g. urea) and othersolids (such as zeolite and citrate) are added to a mixer and mixed for10-15 seconds. The quaternary ammonium material is heated until moltenand added to the solids in the mixer. Optional formulation aids, such asnonionic surfactant and tallow alcohol, can be co-melted with thequaternary ammonium material. Other optional ingredients, such asperfume and dye, are added separately to the solids. The mixture is thengranulated for between 15-30 seconds and an optional flow aid may beadded with a further 5 seconds mixing. The composition can be weatheredas per the first method above if necessary.

[0129] Sample 1 was prepared to the first method above. Sample A wasprepared according to the alternative process above. TABLE 1 Sample 1 AUrea (1) 68.0 61.0 Softener (2) 25.0 (2) 20.0 (3) Zeolite (4)  5.0 10.0Perfume  1.8  1.8 CTAC (5)  0  5.0 Citric acid  0  2.0 Dye  0.2  0.2

Example 1

[0130] Softening Evaluation

[0131] Softening assessments were carried out as follows:

[0132] Each of the rinse product samples were weighed out to anequivalent of 2.6 g/l and placed into a Terg-o-tometer containing 1litre of water. Three terry towelling monitors (20×20 cm) weighing 40 gwere then placed into the Terg-o-tometer pot and rinsed for further 5minutes. The cloths were removed, spun and then line dried. The monitorswere ranked on a softness scale from 1 (denoting soft) to 8 (denotingharsh). The data was analysed using SAS to determine significantdifferences.

[0133] The average scores are given below in table 2. TABLE 2 SampleSoftness 1 3.7 A 4.9

1. A solid fabric conditioning composition comprising: (a) from 1 to 45wt % by weight of the composition of one or more cationic fabricsoftening agents; and (b) one or more carrier materials; wherein thecationic fabric softening agent comprises a quaternary ammonium materialof the formula:

wherein each R is independently selected from a C₅₋₃₅ alkyl or alkenylgroup, R¹ represents a C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₂₋₄ alkenyl or a C₁₋₄ hydroxyalkylgroup, T is

n is 0 or a number selected from 1 to 4, m is 1, 2 or 3 and denotes thenumber of moieties to which it relates that pend directly from the Natom, and X⁻ is an anionic group, such as halides or alkyl sulphates,e.g. chloride, methyl sulphate or ethyl sulphate; the quaternaryammonium raw material from which the composition is prepared having amean particle size of from 100 to 1200 μm.
 2. A solid fabricconditioning composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein the level of themono-ester linked component of the quaternary ammonium materialcomprises between 8 and 40% by weight, based on the total weight of theraw material in which the quaternary ammonium material is supplied, morepreferably from 12 to 35% by weight, most preferably from 15 to 30% byweight.
 3. A solid fabric conditioning composition as claimed in claim 1wherein the iodine value of the parent fatty acid or acyl compound ofthe cationic softening material is from 0 to
 20. 4. A solid fabricconditioning composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein the carriermaterial is urea based.
 5. A solid fabric conditioning composition asclaimed in claim 4 wherein the carrier material is urea.
 6. A solidfabric conditioning composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein thecomposition is in the form of a powder having a mean particle size ofless than 700 microns.
 7. A solid fabric conditioning composition asclaimed in claim 1 further comprising an ethoxylated nonionicsurfactant.
 8. A solid fabric conditioning composition as claimed inclaim 1 further comprising a fatty alcohol.
 9. A solid quaternaryammonium material, for use in a solid fabric conditioning composition,represented by the formula:

wherein each R is independently selected from a C₅₋₃₅ alkyl or alkenylgroup, R¹ represents a C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₂₋₄ alkenyl or a C₁₋₄ hydroxyalkylgroup, T is

n is 0 or a number selected from 1 to 4, m is 1, 2 or 3 and denotes thenumber of moieties to which it relates that pend directly from the Natom, and X⁻ is an anionic group, such as halides or alkyl sulphates,e.g. chloride, methyl sulphate or ethyl sulphate; wherein the meanparticle size of the quaternary ammonium material is from 100 to 1200μm.